fix-qdf

fix-qdf [-v] [-b DIR] [-f] [-o FILE] input.qdf

-h, --help
    Display help summary and exit.

-v, --verbose
    Enable detailed progress and error logging.

-b DIR, --backup DIR
    Create backup of input in specified DIR before repair.

-f, --force
    Skip confirmation prompts for destructive repairs.

-o FILE, --output FILE
    Write repaired data to FILE instead of overwriting input.

fix-qdf is a command-line utility for Linux developed by Intuit to repair corrupted Quicken Data Files (.QDF), the proprietary database format used by Quicken and QuickBooks financial software to store accounts, transactions, budgets, and reports.

It performs automated diagnostics including checksum validation, index rebuilding, orphan record removal, and database compaction to restore usability. Common corruption causes include abrupt shutdowns, disk I/O errors, or version mismatches.

The tool analyzes the file header, transaction logs, and data blocks, attempting non-destructive fixes first. If issues persist, it offers interactive recovery options. Output can be to a new file to preserve originals.

Originally bundled with discontinued QuickBooks for Linux (2001-2007), it remains available in some archives or third-party repos. Success rates are high for minor issues but lower for extensive damage; always verify repairs in Quicken afterward.

Usage is straightforward for sysadmins or users managing legacy financial data on Linux servers.

Backup files manually first; repairs may fail on severely damaged QDFs or incompatible versions. Deprecated tool—no updates since 2007. Test output in Quicken/QuickBooks before use.

Basic repair: fix-qdf myfinances.qdf
Verbose with backup: fix-qdf -v -b ~/backups -o fixed.qdf corrupt.qdf

0: success; 1: minor warnings; 2: repair failed; 3: invalid input.

Debuted in Intuit QuickBooks Linux 2001 release for enterprise use. Enhanced in 2003-2006 updates for better recovery algorithms. Discontinued with QuickBooks Linux EOL in 2007; source closed.

qbdbmgr(8), qclean(1), fsck(8)